Liverpool’s progress on their first major signing strongly suggests that Virgil van Dijk will be departing the team…

Liverpool’s advancements in their first major signing provide a strong indication that Virgil van Dijk will soon be leaving the team.

Signs point to Virgil van Dijk’s departure as Liverpool makes strides in their first major signing.

Liverpool is reportedly advancing in negotiations for their first major signing, particularly in the acquisition of a centre-back.

Liverpool are close to finalizing a deal for a new centre-back, with negotiations progressing well regarding the transfer fee. However, reports suggest that this signing could potentially mark the start of Virgil van Dijk’s departure from Anfield.

Since joining Liverpool from Southampton for £75m in 2018, Van Dijk has exceeded all expectations.

He played a crucial role in helping the team secure their first top-flight title in 30 years, as well as winning the Champions League and reaching two additional finals.

Van Dijk continues to showcase his prowess as one of the top defenders globally, even at the age of 33. The uncertainty lies in his future at Anfield, despite his exceptional skills.

His existing contract is set to end in the summer of 2025, marking the final year of agreements for Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah as well.

Liverpool is adamant about retaining all three star players this season. The club’s goal is to secure new deals for the trio, although Van Dijk’s plans may differ.

Following the Netherlands’ exit from Euro 2024 at the hands of England, Van Dijk sparked interest with his comments on his future with both his club and national team.

“I will carefully consider my options this summer, both at club level and as an international player,” stated the Liverpool and Netherlands captain. “Then we will regroup and go for it again, but first we need to recover from this.

“After a season like this, where so much has happened, it becomes emotional towards the end because you know it’s all over.”

As per a recent report from Caught Offside, Liverpool is intensifying their search for a left-footed center-back who could potentially succeed Van Dijk.

Liverpool is said to be making headway in their pursuit of signing Sporting CP and Portugal center-back, Goncalo Inacio.

The 22-year-old may be acquired from Sporting through a €60m/£51m release clause.

Nevertheless, reports suggest that Liverpool is cautiously optimistic about reaching an agreement on the transfer fee with Sporting and finalizing a deal for a reduced amount.

Inacio is believed to be Liverpool’s main target in the center-back position for this summer. The Reds are currently short of one player after Joel Matip departed the club as a free agent.

Arne Slot, the new boss, has a strong defensive lineup with Van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez, and Jarell Quansah.

However, Nat Phillips is expected to depart, with an offer from Turkey already on the table.

Slot is also considering integrating Sepp van den Berg into his plans after a successful loan spell with Mainz.

Nevertheless, it seems that Van den Berg is keen on leaving, as he wishes to join PSV Eindhoven and hopes that Liverpool will lower their £20m valuation to facilitate the move.

The potential sales of Van den Berg and Phillips will likely prompt Liverpool to enter the transfer market, especially since Gomez is often needed to cover the full-back positions.

Inacio’s potential signing could mark the beginning of the end for Van Dijk at Liverpool.

If Inacio is brought in, it would not only provide an immediate solution for Slot but also set the stage for him to eventually take over Van Dijk’s position at left centre-back.

Speculation suggests that Van Dijk might depart Liverpool once his contract expires in 11 months.

By securing Inacio’s signature now, Liverpool would have a ready-made replacement for Van Dijk who would have already adapted to English football by the time he assumes a permanent role in the team.

Should the deal for Inacio fall through, Liverpool’s alternative options reportedly include Jean-Clair Todibo (Nice), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), and Willian Pacho (Eintracht Frankfurt).